Tuesday 26 October 2010

Bay Animal Abuse on List of ShameDisturbing animal abuse cases in the Bay of Plenty have featured on the SPCA's annual list of shame. It includes the case of an Otumoetai cat that needed one of its legs amputated after it was shot at close range with an air rifle, and features the owner of a Tauranga dog which was hit by a car but left untreated for over two months. The incident left the dog with a badly dislocated hind leg and the owner is currently before the court. SPCA chief Robyn Kippenberger says the details can come as a shock, but people should know what's happening.

First Meeting for New CouncilThe Mayor of Tauranga says he's feeling refreshed after an exhausting election. The first meeting with the elected council will kick off today at 1pm. It welcomes newcomers Tony Christiansen, Larry Baldock and Terry Molloy. Stuart Crosby says he and the Councillors will be sworn in before electing a Deputy Mayor.

Have Your Say on SH29 ProjectThe New Zealand Transport Agency is seeking local views on improvements to State Highway 29 near Tauriko. The highway is the primary freight route linking the Port of Tauranga with Waikato. Spokesman Rod James says the project is an important step in improving the most challenging section of the route. He says three possible options have been identified to improve efficiency including upgrading existing route, or building a new road either north of south of the current highway. An open day to discuss the project will be held this Thursday, at Tauriko School between 3.30 and 7pm.

Coastguard Praise for BoatiesCoastguard is taking its hat off to boaties for an almost incident free weekend out on the water. Hundreds of water lovers made the most of scorching temperatures and blue skies by heading out onto the harbour to mark the start of the boating season. Tauranga Coastguard’s Brian Palmers says volunteer staff were stationed at boat ramps on Saturday morning to offer tips for practicing safe boating. He says it seemed to have paid off as there were only a few call outs.

Beaches Packed But No RescuesSurf lifesavers spent there first weekend back on the beach relatively relaxed. More than 60 volunteer lifeguards were stationed at Omanu, Papamoa and Mount Main Beach for the long weekend. Spokesman Shaun Smith says although the beaches were packed, most opted to not swim in the cold water. He says it was incident and rescue free.